Federal judge blocks portions of Arizona immigration law

On July 28, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled to block the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, according to The Washington Post.

The overall law still will take effect July 29 but without provisions that angered opponents, such as requiring officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws; requiring immigrants to carry their papers at all times; and making it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places. Bolton ruled those provisions should be put on hold until the courts resolve the issues.

The state's lawyers contend the immigration law was a constitutionally sound law attempting to help federal immigration agents and lessen heavy costs for educating, jailing and providing health care for illegal immigrants.

The law's opponents argued it would lead to racial profiling, conflict with federal immigration law and distract local police from fighting more serious crimes.